Construction, Renovation and Strengthening
Building Strengthening and Seismic Retrofitting in Ankara
We look for the answer to “Is my building safe?” together with the right institutions, then carry out the strengthening exactly as the engineering design requires, with meticulous care on site.
Overview
After every news report about an earthquake, many residents ask the same question: Is my building safe? The answer comes not from guesswork but from measurement and engineering calculation. As Çayyolu Architecture & Construction, we stand by you from start to finish throughout the building strengthening in Ankara process: we coordinate the assessment stage with licensed bodies and carry out the approved strengthening design on site.
We want to be transparent here: concrete core testing, concrete strength measurement and building performance analysis are carried out by licensed laboratories and civil engineers qualified in this field. Our role is to organise this process on your behalf, explain clearly what the reports mean and, once a decision for seismic retrofitting has been made, deliver the work in full with our 20 years of construction site experience.
Our Services
The Methods We Use in Building Strengthening
The choice of method is determined by the structural calculations and the strengthening design. The main works specified in such designs are:
Column and beam jacketing
Columns and beams with insufficient cross-sections are encased in new reinforcement and concrete, increasing the capacity of the load-bearing elements.
Carbon fibre (CFRP and FRP) wrapping
After proper surface preparation, fibre-reinforced polymer fabrics are bonded to the elements with special adhesives, without significantly enlarging the cross-section.
Adding reinforced concrete shear walls
To increase the building’s lateral load capacity, new anchored shear walls are added along the axes specified in the design.
Foundation strengthening
Where necessary, foundations are widened or new foundation elements are built so that changes to the superstructure are safely transferred to the ground.
Anchors and chemical anchoring
So that new and existing concrete act together, anchor holes are drilled to the diameter and depth specified in the design and the bars are bonded in place.
Repair and making-good works
After strengthening, plaster, screed, paint, plumbing, wiring and finishing works are completed so that living spaces are ready to use again.
A Closer Look
Core Testing and Performance Analysis: How Does the Process Work?
Before any decision on strengthening, the current condition of the building must be documented. At this stage a licensed laboratory takes core samples from the load-bearing elements, and reinforcement detection and any other necessary measurements are carried out. The data obtained is used in the performance analysis prepared by a civil engineer.
During this stage we handle communication with the flat owners and building management, plan site access for the laboratory and engineering teams, and make sure the sampling points are repaired properly. Once the report is issued, we talk the results through with you in plain language.
- Gathering the existing drawings and documents
- Planning core sampling and measurements with a licensed laboratory
- Performance analysis and report by an engineer
- Assessing whether strengthening or urban transformation is the right path
02
From Strengthening Design to Execution
If the analysis shows that strengthening is suitable, the strengthening design is prepared on the basis of calculations by a licensed engineer and goes through the approval process of the relevant municipality. No intervention is made to the structural system without an approved design; this rule is non-negotiable for your safety.
During execution, we take responsibility for site organisation, dust and noise control, health and safety, and strict compliance with the design. We stay in constant contact with the design engineer and make sure inspections are carried out before any reinforcement and anchoring work is concealed. Alongside strengthening, you can also schedule works such as external wall insulation or waterproofing and insulation within the same programme.
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Strengthening or Urban Transformation?
Not every building is suitable for strengthening. Concrete strength, the condition of the reinforcement, ground conditions and the overall state of the building determine whether strengthening makes technical and economic sense. This assessment is based on the engineering report.
If the report points to demolition and reconstruction, we are with you in the urban transformation process too. If strengthening proves suitable, we move on to making your building safe without demolishing it. To discuss which path is right for you, you can request a free site visit.
Our Process
How We Work
01
Free site visit and initial meeting
We see your building in person, review the existing documents and clarify the steps of the process with you.
02
Coordinating the assessment
We manage the planning with licensed laboratories and engineers for core testing and performance analysis.
03
Design and approval
We follow the municipal approval process for the strengthening design prepared by the engineer.
04
Clear quotation and work schedule
Based on the approved design, we present an itemised quotation and a work schedule that matches the scope.
05
Strengthening works
We carry out column, beam, shear wall and foundation works in strict accordance with the design and open to inspection.
06
Repair and handover
We complete the finishing works and hand over the spaces clean and ready to use.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find the answer you are looking for? Give us a call — we will listen to your project and answer your questions right away.
0312 240 51 51What is building strengthening and how is it done?
Building strengthening means increasing the capacity of the existing structural system to withstand earthquakes and other loads. Methods such as jacketing, carbon fibre wrapping, adding shear walls and foundation strengthening are applied according to the approved design prepared by the engineer.
Who carries out the core test?
Core tests and concrete strength measurements are carried out by licensed laboratories, and the performance analysis that evaluates the results is prepared by a civil engineer. We coordinate this process on your behalf.
Does a core test damage the building?
Samples are taken in a controlled way from points specified by the engineer, and the holes are filled with a suitable repair mortar. We make sure this repair is carried out properly.
Can residents stay in the building during strengthening?
This depends on the method used and the areas involved. Some works can be carried out section by section, while others may require the area to be vacated. We plan this with you on the basis of the design.
How much does building strengthening cost?
The cost varies according to the size of the building, the method used and the scope of the design. We present a clear quotation based on the approved design after the site visit; the timeline also depends on the scope of work.
Is strengthening or urban transformation the better option?
This decision is based on the performance analysis report. If the report does not find strengthening suitable, we assess the urban transformation option together with you.
Free site visit
Let’s plan your project together
With 20 years of experience, we inspect your space on site and present the right solution with a clear roadmap. The site visit and first meeting are free of charge.